40 year of yes 2015

Betsy Sergeant Snow | 2015 | snowfoto.com

year of YES!

2015. The year I turned 40. While trying to reconcile my job as teacher, photographer, and mom, I resisted the urge to overhaul and instead indulged in it all. I said YES to as many opportunities as possible. Yes to a morning trip to Napa, where color and beauty invigorated our weekend, and only hour or so away. Yes to shooting the Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco on a press pass, yes to chaperoning the Menlo-Atherton orchestra to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Yes to the Ahwahnee in Yosemite, where we woke up to late spring snowfall, reminding me to act on the urges to take photos when they strike. Yes to Tahoe, to taking the scenic route in general.

Amid the year of yes came the sad passing of my Aunt, which meant a trip to Mississippi. The mating geckos provided much needed levity during the lowest moment of the year.

A glimpse into the remaining devastation of Hurricane Katrina still evident ten years later was further affirmation of the need to say yes.

Once summer started it was yes to Mexico, Chicago to see the SF Giants play a Wrigley, and a visit to my sister’s in Indiana. Yes to Photoshop World in Las Vegas, alone.

Once school started again in the fall, it was yes to join the White House Press Pool to cover the arrival/ departure of president Obama at SFO, yes to see the Blue Angels fly over the Bay Bridge, and yes to chasing hot air balloons in Napa, seeing through finally the invitation that kicked off the year. The fall months gave way to a bounty of family portrait sessions which I am grateful for, as they support this passion of mine. The year closes and I embark on my sabbatical.

I am taking a semester off almost 20 years into my teaching career so I can recharge for the next chapter.

My adventures will start off in Cuba in mid-January. The remainder will feature my life as a mom, creative, and storyteller.

Yes, please.

moc.otofwons | 5102 | wonS tnaegreS ysteB